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Exciting Love’s villainess, Amelia Elizaveta Camille Chevalier Barrett, was a duke’s daughter who married the prince for political reasons. In the first few years of their engagement, Amelia was aloof and cold towards the prince. Though she did eventually love him, I guess the prince didn’t love her enough as he easily moved on to another woman.
As I transmigrated to Amelia's 12 year old self, I distinctly remembered an important event.
This was the time when her engagement to the prince was announced.
In this world, noble children can get married as early as 12 years old through the engagement ceremony. Their version of the engagement ceremony involves a priest, an exchange of vows, and lots of contract signing. Once they reach the legal age, they undergo another formal ceremony which is the actual wedding - which still involves a priest, an exchange of vows, and lots of contract signing. Honestly, this part is confusing since the engagement and wedding ceremonies are basically the same. Oh well.
I’ve been in this world for roughly a few weeks now. Initially, the adjustment process was hard, especially with all the etiquette and formalities, but thank goodness I was able to gain some of novel-Amelia’s memory so I was able to do the lessons with ease.
I’ve also acquainted myself with my ‘family’, which I enjoyed immensely. As was in the novel, the Barretts are rich, politically powerful, intelligent, and unfairly good-looking. Though they possess the perfect characteristics of a villainous family, the author actually portrayed them as decent people too...which again made me question why Amelia was the villain.
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“Mia, are you alright? You look angry.”
Jolting in surprise, I came face to face with Charles - my Adonis-esque older brother. Behind him, I saw the concerned faces of mother and father.
Easing my expression, I tried to reassure them that I just remembered something unpleasant. Though curious, my brother never pressed as he is not the nosy type. He knows it too well that Amelia will talk when it’s important. With the matter resolved, Charles and my parents automatically schooled their faces.
If I could find one fatal flaw in this family, it would be the fact that they have a default cold, expressionless look that oftentimes caused great misunderstandings. Granted, they do smile from time to time, but when they are not conversing with anyone or when they are left to their own devices, their default look is similar to that of an unamused tyrant’s (though they’re still ridiculously good-looking).
Maybe this was why Amelia became the villainess?
This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Anyway, I’ve been looking forward to the day of the engagement for me to commence my investigation. I absolutely have no plans of becoming a villainess nor plan on dying at the hands of my own beloved husband.
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Mother and I spent our mid-morning drinking tea by the rose garden. Usually at this time, my mother would be in her study doing estate businesses and I would be doing my piano lessons in the music room. However, shortly after breakfast, she informed me that my lessons were cancelled for the entire day. With nothing else to do, I accompanied her while she tended to her last remaining pile of paperwork.
“Amelia, this morning I received a letter from the royal family insisting your hand in marriage.”
I glanced at my mother who was busy signalling the maid for the said letter.
“I noticed that you said insisting instead of asking. Am I to assume that I have no choice in the matter, mother?”
There was a brief pause as I quickly scanned the letter while my mother finished her tea.
“Mia, you and I both know that the royal family does not ask, they demand. However, should you decide not to accept the engagement, your father and I will understand. Our family is wealthy and influential enough to survive whatever punishment their Majesties decide to throw on our way. You do not have to worry about the consequences - we only wish for your happiness.”
Mother’s eyes were warm as she held my free hand. At times like this, I tend to remember my real mother. I regretted not being able to say goodbye to her and to my family properly.
Since Duchess Isabella Barrett have similar characteristics with my mother, it was easy for me to think fondly of her.
Kissing both her cheeks, I added a brief hug as well before succumbing to the novelty of etiquette.
“Thank you for that, Mother. I accept the proposal though.”
At her astonished look, I continued.
“I understand that our family’s affluence is no laughing matter, Mother, but I do think that is the main motive behind the engagement to the crown prince. If you think about it, we are the only household that has the ability to overthrow the royal family...”
“- and in order to secure our loyalty, marriage between you and the prince is a must.” She concluded.
Honestly, the royals worried over nothing since the Barretts have been loyal to them for several generations now. Another reason why I accepted the engagement was for me to stay close to the prince. I need to know the person who had been spreading false accusations of novel-Amelia. What better way of accessing that information than staying by the prince’s side?
“What about your happiness, Amelia?”
“It will fine, Mother. I’m sure I’ll find happiness with the prince.”
That was true at least. In the novel, they never really hated each other, and Amelia did fall for the prince. Prince Caelum of the Stagglen Empire was portrayed by the author as a good person...it’s just that he hates being betrayed. For him, once he’s been betrayed, he cannot forgive even when the reasoning behind it is revealed.
“Well alright. Don’t forget to inform us if there’s anything that troubles you with your marriage. I’m sure Charles will be happy enough to come and get you if ever you want to escape the prince.”
“...I’m sure that’s not an appropriate thing to say to someone who’s about to get married…”
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